What are the best and worst things you bought because you were "influenced"?

1 hour ago
3 min read

Tall stack of tan boxes leaning against a lavender paneled door, with small white text and a playful, precarious look.

There's no doubt that the algorithm is trying to figure out just what to slip into our feeds to see if we'll click through. Sometimes, we find fantastic recommendations and other times we end up with duds. Think of this as the highs and l

ows of what we've been influenced to purchase. On either side of the coin, we'd share these successes or cautionary tales with our deerest friends. From the travel outfit for Jen (that she ended up with in an unexpected way), the walking pad Ashley adores or Kim's favorite ice cream maker, these are our true favorites (that we aren't influencing anyone to try!).

Ashley, Millennial Mom Nutrition Coach from @AshleyBreaksTheCycle

Person walking on a treadmill in white leggings and blue-white sneakers, viewed from above on a wood floor gym.

Let’s talk about being perceived online, because the algorithm absolutely has my number!

First, the neck massager. I kept getting bombarded with ads after apparently complaining about neck and back tension within earshot of my phone (Big Brother heard me and did not let up). I finally caved, spent a hundred dollars, and it did absolutely nothing. Collecting dust in my closet as a very expensive lesson!!

Then there were the fruit containers. You know the ones — a strainer built in, supposed to keep your fruit fresher after washing, all very convincing on a thirty second video. Nope. Still soggy. Still moldy. Same timeline as my regular bowl. Hard pass.

Now the walking pad! That one I'll actually defend. I kept seeing people use them online and eventually got curious enough to try it. I don't use it much in the summer when I can be outside, but come winter it genuinely gets me moving on top of my regular workouts without braving the cold. #worthit

So the moral of the story is: the algorithm will find you, it will be persistent, and it will occasionally be right. Just maybe skip the neck gadgets, the fancy produce storage, and — I will say this clearly — you will never catch me in a weighted vest. 🚶‍♀️✌️

Jen, Bespoke Travel Planner from @GlobalOnDemandTravel

Turns out what it he best for one person can be the worst for others. I had seen other wives gain accolades for purchasing the Vuori travel pants and shirt for their husbands. But, I should know mine better. He is quite happy in a shirt and sneakers. But, thankfully, our sizes are not incredibly different and I am now the proud owner of my favorite travel shirt and pants.

Ali, Book Aficionado from @The BookClubCart

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Kim, Home Connoisseur from @Reverie.and.Root & Founder of Spilling Goodness

Protein powder bags and labeled ingredient containers on a kitchen island in a bright, modern kitchen.

Blend anything you like into a giant tub of ice cream - yes, please! I was absolutely influenced to think I "needed" a Ninja Creami - yes, yet another small kitchen appliance. And, turns out, I love it just as much as I was led to believe I would. I've tried a bunch of different recipes and have landed on a new favorite - tastes like a frosty with different "toppings" blended in. My go-to is a mixture of almond milk, cottage cheese, chocolate protein powder, vanilla extract and salt + tiny chocolate chips. Yum!

The biggest miss is when I fall for clothes that look so lovely on someone else and then when I try them, it feels like I'm wearing a costume. There are somethings I feel great in and others that just don't seem to be a match - the items that don't align with how I want to feel always end up getting returned. And, I'm learning when to roll the dice and when something just isn't "me." Additionally, I'll second Ashley - no weighted vest here. Tried it and gave it away!

Rebecca, Woman's Leadership Coach from @PleasantlyAggressive

I rarely listen to actual influencers. There are only a few that I follow and trust. But when a brand I buy from regularly slips an item into my feed that catches my eye, I’m pretty likely to get it.

Leopard-print Adidas sneakers with black laces sit on a cream carpet, showing bold animal pattern and visible adidas logos.

My best purchase was sneakers! I bought Adidas sneakers instantly when I saw them - and paid full price, which I never do!! They spoke to me, and I have never regretted that decision.

My husband got influenced to buy this cooking pot lid holder and spoon rest. He ordered it for me for Christmas, and it took 5 weeks to arrive! So there was a lot of build-up, and then it arrived! The packaging was shoddy, and it looked like a 3-D printed product your teenager could make. It was also much smaller than it appeared in the ads. Disappointing to say the least, but also gave us a good chuckle.